Qasim Ali Appointed England Physical Disability Head Coach

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have appointed Qasim Ali as head coach of the England Physical Disability (PD) team.

Ali has worked with the squad over the past eight months as assistant coach to Chris Ellison, who he now succeeds.

Ellison has stood down after nearly four years as head coach.

Ali is a UKCC Level 3 cricket coach and has most recently been employed as lead coach at Lancashire CCC's Indoor Centre.

He will take charge of the side as they begin preparations for their annual fixture against an Army XI as part of a charity cricket day at Bournville CC on 13th July.

"I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to continue my work with the England Physical Disability team," Ali said.

"I look forward to working closely with a talented group of players and the management team.

"These are exciting times for disability cricket as we look to progress and prepare for the forthcoming season and future international series.

"I would like to thank Chris Ellison for all his hard work over the last four years," he added.

ECB Head of Disability Cricket Ian Martin says he is delighted Ali has taken on the role.

"I am delighted that Qasim has accepted the position of Head Coach of the England Physical Disability squad and that he sees disability cricket as providing the right environment and opportunity to further his development as a coach," he said.

"His contribution to the squad over the last eight months has been significant and I know that he commands the respect of all of the players in our elite group.

"He is a young enthusiastic coach who I know will bring the best out of the players that we have in the programme."